Rivers Govt Seals Another 8 Health Facilities

Less than two weeks after sealing 21 health facilities in Rivers State, the state government has shut down an additional eight health facilities and arrested four persons for alleged quackery, impersonation and operating unregistered outlets during its October 2026 inspection and enforcement exercise.

The state Ministry of Health disclosed this yesterday through its official media handles, in an update on the state’s anti-quackery campaign.

It said the exercise uncovered an illegal health facility operating in a residential compound at 27, Victoria Street, in Old Port Harcourt Township.

According to the ministry, operatives discovered two suspects, identified as Mr Ataisi Jephtha and Mrs Mgboawaji Edwin, attempting to perform a thyroidectomy on an unsuspecting patient at the facility.

The ministry said Jephtha, who paraded himself as a surgeon and his accomplice were arrested, while the facility was sealed.

A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.

The ministry added that five other hospitals and two laboratory centres were also shut down for allegedly operating below minimum standards and without the required registration.

The ministry added that five other hospitals and two laboratory centres were also shut down for allegedly operating below minimum standards and without the required registration.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, has warned that licensed medical practitioners who operate from unregistered or substandard health facilities would also face penalties in line with the guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

Wachukwu reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enforcing healthcare regulations and protecting residents from unsafe medical practices.

He urged healthcare providers to comply with registration requirements and minimum operating standards, warning that violations would attract appropriate sanctions.